Philip Rimmer

Call me

Phil specialises in VAT and excise duties and in the rules which govern both the HMRC internal review process and appeals submitted to the independent Tax Tribunal

Profile Biography

Phil has considerable experience in issue resolution with HMRC in both direct and indirect tax enquiries. He also assists, advises and represents clients, their accountants and other professional advisers:

in disputes with HMRC; and

in the forensic examination of HMRC cases in both criminal and civil legal proceedings.

Phil has conducted negotiated settlements with HMRC's Special Investigations Teams, thereby guaranteeing immunity from criminal prosecution for clients. He also advises on appropriate levels of due diligence to be conducted by businesses upon their suppliers, customers and other business partners; and on requirements under the Money Laundering Regulations 2007. He has advised major companies such as The Carphone Warehouse on their internal and commercial due diligence procedures, nationally and internationally.

Career History: a Summary

After gaining a law degree, Phil worked as a Specialist Investigator for HMRC for over fifteen years, in a wide variety of disciplines including VAT and excise fraud.

Since leaving HMRC in 2005, Phil has worked as an independent tax consultant. He has acted on behalf of clients in appeals to the Tax Tribunal in such matters as:

VAT and excise duty assessments;

seizures of goods;

wrongdoing penalties;

missing trader, diversion and other fraud in a broad range of different industries; and

the refusal by HMRC of various registration applications.

He has also challenged HMRC decisions in Judicial Review proceedings in the High Court.

Phil has produced numerous complex forensic examination reports in civil and criminal cases. He has given expert evidence at Court in proceedings as far afield as Norway. Phil's forensic and investigative skills have played an important role in such proceedings.

Articles and Affiliations

Phil is a regular contibutor of articles relating to, for example, HMRC powers, as published in 'De Voil Indirect Tax Intelligence' by LexisNexis/Butterworths. He also contributes to Tolley Guidance, an online service which provides practical advice for tax practitioners. He has been invited by LexisNexis to join their panel of experts and attends Advisory Group meetings in order to comment upon Government legislation in the fields of taxation and HMRC powers.

Through his firm, which is a quality assured supplier of services, Phil is authorised by the Bar Council to instruct Barristers directly in proceedings in both the Tax Tribunal and the High Court, without the need to first engage a Solicitor.

Phil regularly works closely with accountants in a business relationship which works to the advantage of all parties.

Charging

Phil offers a free initial telephone consultation. Thereafter, he provides his professional services at a highly competitive hourly rate. Alternatively, Phil can agree a fixed fee at the outset for certain projects. Phil is happy to travel to meet clients.

Interests

Phil's hobbies include support for a persistently underperforming football team; military history; and scuba diving. He is a keen but amateur fiction writer; though the above can be taken as entirely factual!